New FIDIC kit urges proactive stance

The International Federation of Consulting Engineers has launched a new training resource kit as an aid to setting up effective environmental management systems for both consultants and clients. The FIDIC kit, initiated by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the International Chamber of Commerce, claims to take a proactive approach to environmental problems. The traditional attitude of waiting for problems and then reacting, is both inadequate and inefficient, it said.

The kit is designed to help organise, set up and implement operating procedures, documentation and record keeping, organisational structure and resources for an effective environmental management system.

The kit is intended to be used as a self learning tool or for preparing courses either in-house or as a consultancy service to clients.

FIDIC hopes that the approach advocated in the kit will help to resolve bottlenecks in the industry caused by a lack of environmental management skills and a reluctance to accept change.